Thousands attend Convoy of Hope stop in Springfield

The Convoy of Hope was set to give away $1 million in free goods and services on Saturday, and it turned into a day that was celebrated by both organizers and attendees.

More than 5,000 Western Massachusetts residents in need waited in line to get inside Riverfront Park. Event organizers said they hoped to spread some joy on a beautiful summer day.

"Just to be able to fulfill their needs, bringing everyone together," said David McCoy, assistant coordinator. "It's giving to the community, helping the community, loving the community. That's what we're missing here is a lot of love through God."

For the residents in attendance, the event was a chance to enjoy what the community had to offer.

"I have four children," said Springfield resident India Guest. "It's good because a lot of us don't have a lot of money to do stuff like this for our children. It's fun to come out and see all of the kids."

Guest attended with her nephew, Elijah. The aunt wanted the 9-year-old to have a fresh haircut for his birthday. He got that from barber Nelson Rivera, who made the trip to the event from Ware.

"I wanted to come down and be a blessing," said Rivera. "We're all blessed to be a blessing and this is my talent. I'm here to send it out there for everyone."

For Rivera, it was an easy choice to volunteer for the Convoy of Hope. He wanted the thousands served on Saturday to continue to spread the good will.

"You reap what you sow," Rivera stated. "Sometimes people sow bad seeds. We're sowing good seeds. So, hopefully it germinates and we take over Springfield with the love of Christ."

As for security at the Convoy of Hope, all organizers would said was that the park was well covered.

Springfield police told CBS 3 that they were not aware of any incidents during the course of the event on Saturday.

A young Chicopee woman, who has been on her own since she was just 16 years old, recently lost everything she owns in an apartment fire. Our Lia Auto Group and Western Mass News Surprise Squad is working with Borys Furniture in Chicopee to give her a little extra support before the holidays.

A young Chicopee woman, who has been on her own since she was just 16 years old, recently lost everything she owns in an apartment fire. Our Lia Auto Group and Western Mass News Surprise Squad is working with Borys Furniture in Chicopee to give her a little extra support before the holidays.